In Greek mythology, Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, carries souls across the River Styx. To cross, the dead must pay a coin, and without it, they are left to wander, trapped between worlds. This journey isn’t just about passage, it’s a reckoning with the life they’ve lived, the choices they’ve made, and the things they left undone. In Day of the Fight, the protagonist faces a similar moment, stepping into the ring not just for a fight, but for something far greater, one final chance to make peace with himself before the bell tolls.

From the very first moments of the trailer, it's clear that Day of the Fight is far from a typical boxing film. Shot in black and white, this film tells the story of Mike Flannigan, aka "The Irish Mike," a former champion and ex-convict. We follow Flannigan on the day of his most important comeback match, one that could change his destiny. As the hours unfold, the film reveals glimpses of his troubled past, showing how his experiences have led him to this crucial moment.

A low-budget knockout and stellar cast

Written and directed by Jack Huston, a British actor making his directorial debut with a boxing film, Day of the Fight is far from the usual boxing movie. Huston ensures that this story is more than just punches in the ring, it’s an emotional journey set to a soundtrack of 70s classics like "Crucify Your Mind." With several conversations centred around music, the film becomes a unique blend of a musical and a boxing movie.

Michael Pitt gives one of his finest performances as Mike Flannigan, the man once known as "The Irish Mike." He fully embraces the role of a former boxing champion who has lost everything, his past mistakes leading him to prison. What really stands out is Pitt’s ability to keep Flannigan’s most painful secrets under wraps, revealing them only during the film’s emotional final moments, making the revelation hit harder.

Next to Pitt, we have a strong supporting cast. Joe Pesci, the phenomenal icon, plays Flannigan’s father, adding weight and depth to their relationship. Ron Perlman as the trainer provides a steady, guiding presence, while John Magaro portrays the priest and Flannigan’s best friend with a sense of genuine care. Nicolette Robinson plays Flannigan’s ex-wife, bringing complexity to their past connection. The cast is rounded out by other great actors like Steve Buscemi, whose presence adds another layer to the film.

The director chose the movie to be in black and white, a theme we've seen in many films in recent years, such as Ripley (the Netflix series), The Girl with the Needle, and the Romanian film Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World. In Day of the Fight, this choice gives the film a timeless, classic feel, drawing attention to the characters and their emotions rather than relying on the distractions that colour can bring. This decision helps the story feel more universal, giving it a nostalgic weight, despite being set in 1989. The lack of colour also heightens the emotion in key scenes, sharpening the contrast between light and shadow, making the drama feel more intense and raw.

In a story about redemption and confronting past mistakes, the black-and-white choice adds depth to the protagonist's internal struggles. It highlights Flannigan’s difficult past, including his troubled family life, his time as a boozer, and how these choices led to his downfall. The film’s visuals emphasise the gritty reality of his life, from his issues with alcohol to his time in prison, all the way to his battles in the ring. Without colour, the filmmakers focus more on framing, lighting, and composition, creating powerful visuals that might otherwise go unnoticed. Additionally, the black-and-white aesthetic serves as a visual metaphor for the duality of Flannigan's life, his dark past, and the hope for redemption, which gives the film even more layers.

A day in the life of Flannigan’s emotional journey before the fight

The film begins with events unfolding early in the morning as the former champion, Flannigan, wakes up next to his cat in his sparsely furnished apartment. He starts his day with some cardio, then heads out for a run, all while a flashback reveals a conversation with his doctor. The doctor advised him to return to boxing or risk dying from brain damage, though it’s left unclear whether this condition is a result of boxing or something else. As the day progresses, we realise that today is the day of Flannigan’s comeback fight. The film follows him through a series of well-edited camera angles, capturing his journey of preparation for what could be his final match, one that could very well be his last day on Earth.

Throughout the day, Flannigan chooses to reconnect with his loved ones, attempting to make peace and speak the words left unsaid. He begins by seeing his daughter one last time, waving to her without speaking, since he’s been absent due to his time in prison. Next, he meets an old family friend and later encounters people from his neighbourhood, revealing how beloved and well-known he is there. Everyone greets him warmly, offering encouragement and support for his upcoming fight, one he’s fought long and hard to earn after years of punishing himself. In these moments, we also see the depth of his character. Flannigan’s heart is big, caring for people he doesn’t even know, helping them even when he’s at rock bottom.

As the day goes on, the past begins to unfold through Flannigan’s conversations with those he cares about. One significant conversation happens with his childhood friend, the priest, who listens as Flannigan opens up about a painful moment in his past. He confesses that at one point, he tried to take his own life while in his cell, and for three minutes, he was clinically dead before they revived him. It’s at this moment that he says he killed a part of himself, his old self, and chose to move on. He explains that he didn’t deserve to die easily, that he needed to suffer first in order to atone for everything he had done.

Flannigan then visits his ex-wife, who clearly still carries the pain of their past. Initially, she tries to push him away, but eventually agrees to take a walk with him and share a meal. As they talk, pieces of his old life resurface. Without delving into the specifics, it’s a beautiful, emotionally charged reunion. From the tender touch of their hands to Flannigan’s confession of still loving her, their connection is palpable. The meeting ends with a final goodbye kiss, a poignant moment before he leaves to face his destiny in the ring.

Flannigan’s visit to his father at the nursing home stands as one of the most powerful scenes in the movie. Joe Pesci, as usual, delivers an unforgettable performance, communicating so much through just his eyes and subtle gestures, as his character's condition keeps him from speaking. His presence alone speaks volumes. Alongside him, Michael Pitt gives a remarkable performance, pouring out his emotions to his tough, silent father. As he reflects on their past, Flannigan says things he never dared to before describing how much he misses his father and how deeply he still loves him. It’s an incredibly moving scene, one so emotionally charged that it could bring tears to even the hardest of hearts.

The movie continues, following the former champion as he makes his way toward his final match, which could very well be his last day alive. Throughout his journey, he tries to reconcile with his past, hoping to clear the emotional baggage before stepping into the ring. When the moment of the match finally arrives, it’s executed flawlessly. The moves, the blood, and the atmosphere of the ring are all portrayed realistically, without any exaggeration. The fight feels raw and grounded. As for the outcome, I’ll leave that for you, the viewer, to figure out by watching the movie.

The ending of the movie unfolds in a deeply touching way, blending the present and the past. A tragic event from Flannigan's past is revealed, one that led him to lose everything and ultimately end up in prison. As he reflects on these painful memories, the weight of his past decisions becomes more apparent. If you're looking for a unique experience, a classic black-and-white drama with elements of boxing and music, Day of the Fight offers a powerful journey. Discover what happens in the end, and you won’t regret watching this heartfelt masterpiece.